Anything but an expression of gratitude confronted her. He remained silent, making a strong effort to mask his agitation. But his fingers twitched spasmodically, and there was unmistakable fear in his eyes. She watched him intently, losing no point of the effect she had created.
"Well...?" she said steadily.
There was no answer. She bent towards him.
"I said you were with me. You were not with me. Where were you?"
The man breathed heavily, his baleful gaze fixed on her. She met it with unassailable composure.
"Listen," she said slowly—"there are strange things in this house. I know it. I've known it for some time. Things that the light of day never shines on. What are they?"
He sprang up, and stood over her with clenched hands, his face torn with fury.
"Damn you!" he cried hoarsely. "What is my house, or what happens in it, to you?"
"Sit down," she said firmly. "You are not frightening me. To threaten a woman is merely to increase her tenacity, and mine requires no fortification. Please move away from me."
He obeyed, muttering. Her calmness disarmed him.